Stephen Hillenburg, creator of 'SpongeBob Squarepants' dies at age 57
Hillenburg was diagnosed with ALS in March 2017
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CELEBRITY Cartoons
The mastermind behind the Nickelodeon cartoon show 'SpongeBob Squarepants,' Stephen Hillenburg has passed away after a battle with ALS.
The animator died on Monday, November 26. Nickelodeon released the following statement upon learning the news:
"Steve imbued 'SpongeBob SquarePants' with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.”
???? We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. ????
— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018
The first episode of the popular 'SpongeBob Squarepants' aired in May of 1999, with the series going on to win US and British Emmy Awards, Annie Awards, and ASACP Awards.
The film 'The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,' which was written, produced, and directed by Hillenburg, went on to garner more than US$140 million worldwide. He also served as the executive producer of the sequel 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.'
Rest in peace.